12dz Chapter 590 Women are superior to men (6)
Chapter 590 Women are superior to men (6)
As it turns out, they were quite daring, after all, this involved their fundamental interests.
But after a flurry of activity, the score was a mere 0.5.
Not only did the assassins sent to carry out the assassination disappear, but they were also dragged out one by one by the Prince of Huai. Those who were punished had their homes confiscated, those who were punished had their heads beheaded, and those who were punished had been exiled.
For two whole months, the stench of blood lingered in the market, and the ground turned a dark red.
For a time, everyone in Fengdu City was in danger and dared not oppose the changes to the laws and regulations anymore.
Of course, Wangyou didn't change things too much. After all, this was still an era where women were in charge. If the changes were too drastic, it would give them undue ambition.
Therefore, Wangyou only changed the dowry and the beating, and slightly modified the other rules regarding committing crimes and harassing respectable men, so that at least she wouldn't lose her life.
As for marriage, those who are truly unwilling to marry can be fined; no coercion is allowed.
Of course, Wangyou also knew that whether this rule was changed or not didn't make much difference, because the fines remained the same, and many people couldn't afford to pay them. At most, it would be best not to send them to the army.
As a princess of a nation, she couldn't just do whatever she wanted.
Even amidst the confiscation of property and the killings, Wangyou still took the Empress to the estate to witness the yield of the new grain and personally tasted it. The Empress was so pleased that she immediately doubled the size of Wangyou's fiefdom.
Although Wangyou didn't really want it, she couldn't throw a tantrum and refuse, as that would be too disrespectful to the Empress. So, with tears in her eyes, Wangyou accepted it.
Once the legal matter is resolved, the year will be drawing to a close. And this year there is another major event: the neighboring vassal states will be bringing gifts to Fengdu.
It would be inappropriate for Wangyou to miss such a grand occasion, so she brought Xixuan along, just to enjoy the show.
The palace banquet was a lively and bustling affair.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the people of Yu, who had been defeated by the Tianfeng Dynasty several years ago, became restless.
“What’s the point of just watching singing and dancing, Your Majesty? How about we have a martial arts contest, a battle of military formations?” a burly woman said with a smile.
"Watching song and dance performances every year is indeed a bit lacking. Since the envoy from Yu Kingdom wants to have a martial arts contest, I have no reason to refuse. It's perfect timing, as I also want to see if Yu Kingdom has made any progress in recent years," the Empress said with a smile.
"I hope His Majesty the Heavenly Phoenix won't be angry then," the envoy from the Yu Kingdom said with a sneer. They had come prepared this time.
Looking at this scene, Wangyou realized that the Yu Kingdom had indeed come prepared, bringing several experts to test the military strength of the Tianfeng Dynasty.
Many years ago, the Yu Kingdom suffered a great defeat and had no choice but to submit to the Tianfeng Dynasty, ceding territory and paying reparations. However, its underhanded tactics never ceased.
Therefore, the Yu Kingdom's opportunistic attack was within their expectations, so they were not worried at all.
In the first match, Yu Kingdom sent out a slender woman with sharp eyes and explosive power, while Tianfeng naturally sent out a person specifically to counter her.
As a former major threat to the Tianfeng Dynasty, how could the Empress not have planted people in the Yu Kingdom? They already knew about these things, but the Yu Kingdom itself thought it had done a good job of keeping it a secret.
Besides, while the Yu Kingdom wanted to take advantage of the situation to seize Tianfeng, Tianfeng was also thinking the same thing.
After three consecutive defeats in the martial arts competition, the Yu Kingdom's expression was now quite grim.
"Your Majesty, I am the Third Prince of the Yu Kingdom. Today, I have brought a dance with me, hoping that Your Majesty will enjoy it. I would also like to see the dance of your country," the Third Prince said with an arrogant expression.
"I'd like to see what kind of exquisite dance moves could make the Third Prince so confident," the Empress said with a calm smile.
"Please allow me to prepare." The third prince went downstairs to change his clothes with an arrogant air.
Wangyou yawned boredly. This third prince's behavior was quite similar to that of her brothers in the palace. She just hoped that her brothers would use their brains.
The third prince came up quickly, having changed into a thin gauze dance dress that revealed his waist, which was so thin it looked like it could be snapped in two with a slap. His expression was alluring, and Wangyou noticed that many people in the audience were starting to feel aroused.
The Third Prince danced a dance with a strong exotic flair, featuring bold and energetic movements. It was indeed a rare and remarkable dance, but it was somewhat lacking in solemnity.
Almost all the men from the Tianfeng Dynasty present at the banquet lowered their heads in embarrassment, though their occasional glances revealed their unease.
Xi Xuan kept a close eye on Wang You's expression the whole time, and then he couldn't help but laugh. His older sister seemed to be a bit clueless about romance; she didn't even try to hide her disdain.
"I wonder if your country has any princes who would like to compete with me?" After finishing his dance, the Third Prince stood arrogantly in the center of the stage and said.
"Your country's third prince is bold in his actions, far surpassing the princes of my Tianfeng Dynasty. Our princes are all from noble families and would never do such a thing. In this situation, Yu Kingdom wins." The Prime Minister spoke with a smile.
The people from the Yu Kingdom were furious and their faces turned ashen. They had originally thought that sacrificing a prince for the Heavenly Phoenix would be a disgrace, but they didn't expect that the other side would rather admit defeat than accept this offer.
"Next, let's have a literary contest!" the envoy from the Yu Kingdom said, barely suppressing his anger.
"Very well, let the envoy from Yu Kingdom ask any questions you may ask. I, Tianfeng, am ready to oblige at any time." The Empress smiled, her meaning clear: if you want to send troops, I, Tianfeng, will accompany you to the end.
"Your Majesty, this is Master Wusong, a scholar from my Yu Kingdom. He is here to compete with you in chess. I wonder who Your Majesty will send to challenge us?" the Yu Kingdom envoy said smugly.
Wusong is known as the Chess Goddess in the Yu Kingdom. It is said that she has never lost a game of chess, and her reputation is so great that even the Tianfeng Dynasty dares not send anyone out of her way.
"I am Shi Ruyu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Although I am not very good at chess, I am willing to learn a thing or two from you."
"Prelude!"
The chessboard was quickly brought out, and the two began their battle on it. This Wusong truly lived up to her reputation as a chess god, with every move concealing a hidden strategy. Of course, Shi Ruyu was no less impressive, thinking three steps ahead with every move.
However, Wusong was ultimately one step ahead, and Shi Ruyu was defeated. After stepping down from the stage, she shook her head slightly at the Crown Princess.
"I wonder if anyone else is going to take the stage?"
No one responded. Shi Ruyu's so-called lack of proficiency meant that she was basically unmatched in Fengdu. Even she had been defeated, so no one else dared to step up.
"Sister, I want to give it a try," Xi Xuan whispered to Wang You.
"Are you confident?"
"Ah."
"Then let my younger brother compete with you. I hope Mr. Wusong will be generous in giving me your guidance," Wangyou said with a smile.
Her Majesty the Empress glanced at Wangyou and received an affirming look from her, which put her mind at ease.
"Is Tianfeng out of talent? They actually sent a weakling to compete with me!" Wusong said disdainfully.
“Mr. Wusong, it’s too early to draw conclusions. Besides, if you defeated Lord Shi, it was because the Lord’s skills were not up to par. Originally, I wanted to compete with you personally, but if you can’t even beat my brother, then you’re not worth my time.” Wangyou provoked him slightly.